Philadelphia Historic Houses

Historic Houses

• Benjamin Franklin Museum: Located in the heart of Independence National Historical Park, this museum offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, featuring interactive exhibits and personal artifacts. www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/benjaminfranklinmuseum
• Betsy Ross House: The former home of the seamstress who crafted the first American flag, this museum highlights her life and role in American history. historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/
• Belfield House: (Narberth), The Belfield House offers a glimpse into 18th-century life with its beautiful architecture and grounds, also highlighting the significant people who once resided there. narberthhistory.org/views/belfield-house
• Cedar Grove: An 18th-century stone house offering insights into Philadelphia’s history and the lives of the prominent family that once lived there, set amidst scenic grounds in Fairmount Park. www.philamuseum.org/visit/locations-hours#historic-houses
• Cliveden: Located in Germantown, this Georgian Colonial mansion was a key site during the Battle of Germantown and has been preserved to showcase Philadelphia’s role in the American Revolution. cliveden.org
• Dolly Todd House: Known as the Bishop White House, this National Park Service site was the residence of Dolley Madison before her marriage to James Madison, offering a glimpse into early American social history. www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/dolleytoddhouse
• Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion: Located in West Germantown, this Victorian mansion offers a rich view of 19th-century life through its well-preserved architecture and original furnishings. ebenezermaxwellmansion.org
• Edgar Allan Poe House: The former home of the iconic American writer, where visitors can learn about his life in Philadelphia and his time living in the city. www.nps.gov/places/poe-house
• Elfreth’s Alley: As one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States, Elfreth’s Alley is a preserved area that gives insight into life in early Philadelphia. www.elfrethsalley.org
• Franklin Court Courtyard: This open-air space, once home to Benjamin Franklin’s residence and printing press, now features the Franklin Court Museum and a striking modern glass structure that marks the location of Franklin’s former home. www.nps.gov/places/000/franklin-court-courtyard
• Franklin Court Printing Office: A historically reconstructed printing office in Franklin Court where visitors can experience the process of early American printing, emphasizing Benjamin Franklin’s contributions to the printing industry. www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/printingoffice
• Glen Foerd on the Delaware: A historic riverfront estate now serving as a cultural center and public park, offering beautiful views of the Delaware River. www.glenfoerd.org
• Glen Fern: A historic mansion in Mount Airy, dating back to 1696, that offers a window into the architectural and cultural evolution of the region. philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2014/07/14/northwest-rediscovering-the-past-at-glen-fern
• Grumblethorpe: This 18th-century mansion in Germantown is closely tied to the American Revolution and was a British occupation site during the Battle of Germantown. www.philalandmarks.org/grumblethorpe
• Hill-Physick House: A Federal-style house associated with Dr. Philip Syng Physick, a pioneer in American surgery, showcasing early medical history and architectural beauty. www.philalandmarks.org/hillphysick
• Historic Rittenhouse Town: The site of America’s first paper mill, now a museum that preserves several 18th-century buildings related to early American industry. rittenhousetown.org/about/
• John Coltrane House: The former home of jazz legend John Coltrane, offering a deep dive into the life and legacy of this iconic musician. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/john_coltrane_house
• Johnson House Historic Site, Inc.: An important station on the Underground Railroad, this Germantown site is dedicated to educating visitors about the history of slavery and abolition. www.johnsonhouse.org
• Laurel Hill Mansion: A historic house in Fairmount Park, this venue is managed by Women for Greater Philadelphia and serves as a unique event space with historical tours. laurelhillmansion.org
• Lemon Hill Mansion: One of the first properties purchased by the city to create Fairmount Park, this early 19th-century mansion is an example of early American design and preservation. www.philamuseum.org
• Marian Anderson Home: The childhood home of Marian Anderson, the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, now a museum dedicated to her life and accomplishments. www.nps.gov/places/marian-anderson-house
• Mill Grove: The first American residence of naturalist John James Audubon, now a museum dedicated to his life, work, and significant contributions to art and science. www.funpennsylvania.com
• Mount Pleasant: A Georgian mansion with sweeping views of the Schuylkill River, once described as “the most elegant Seat in Pennsylvania” by John Adams. www.philamuseum.org
• Oaks Cloister: A private residence in Germantown, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance, serving as a remarkable example of early American design. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oaks_Cloister
• Powell House: Built in the 18th century, this Georgian-style house is noted for its historical significance and its association with the city’s early years. www.philalandmarks.org/powel-house
• Summerseat: An 18th-century mansion that served as General Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War, offering a glimpse into Philadelphia’s revolutionary past. www.funpennsylvania.com
• Strawberry Mansion: The largest of the historic Fairmount Park houses, this mansion offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century life, with its extensive grounds and period furnishings. www.historicstrawberrymansion.org
• Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial: The home of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a military engineer and hero of the American Revolution, is now a memorial dedicated to his legacy as a fighter for independence and human rights. www.nps.gov/thko/
• Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion: Located in Belmont Mansion, this museum highlights the role of Philadelphia as a key stop on the Underground Railroad. www.belmontmansion.org
• Woodford Mansion: A well-preserved example of early Georgian architecture, now a historic house museum showcasing 18th-century life. www.woodfordmansion.org
• The Woodlands: A historic cemetery and mansion, offering both peaceful green spaces and fascinating insight into the lives of the individuals buried there. www.woodlandsphila.org/our-mission